Monday, August 19, 2013

A painter, filmmaker and photographer – all rolled in one

Rameshwar Broota’s paintings are often comprised of male bodies – muscular as well as emaciated – testifying the passage of time. The mystical male body though repeated acts of forceful resistance, swings between acceptance and confrontation - with its stolid musculature or skeletal frame.

Born in New Delhi in 1941, he studied at New Delhi College of Art (1960-64) and worked there as a lecturer before moving to Jamia Milia Islamia and later to the Sarda Ukil College. He has served as Head of Department at Triveni Kala Sangam, Delhi. Among his selected solo exhibitions are 'This End to the Other', Shridharani Gallery; Vadehra Art Gallery, Delhi (2011); 'Counterparts', Vadehra and Shridharani Gallery, Delhi (2009); a photography show courtesy Sakshi Gallery and Vadehra Gallery (2008); ‘Archeology of Experience’, courtesy Vadehra at NGMA, Mumbai & Gallery 88, Kolkata (2004-05).

In a career spanning close to five decades, this renowned painter, filmmaker and photographer has moved from his images alluding to existential anxiety to sharp, albeit sarcastic satire to a classic heroism that borders on the cusp of both hope and despair. Among the honors and awards he has won are ‘Kala Vibhushan’ from AIFACS, Delhi in 1997; LN Gupta Memorial Award (1988); Senor Fellowship of the Government of India (1987, 88); and the National Awards from LKA, Delhi (1980, 81, 84).